The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have put forward a new bill in the National Assembly that aims to completely ban alcohol advertising. This initiative, led by member of parliament, Veronica Mente (the former National Chairperson of Economic Freedom Fighters), who wants to change the current 2003 Liquor Act, which allows companies to promote alcohol through advertising and product placement.
The proposed Liquor Amendment Bill would stop liquor companies from using their brand names and logos at events or sponsoring them. The EFF believes that advertising turns the scale, showing drinking to be somewhat special yet ignoring the repercussions it causes such as traffic deaths, gender-based violence and putting a strain on health care centres.
The party stated that, although alcohol companies make huge profit, they have negatively impacted the society that they are providing for. They argue that public well-being and social stability should be more important than the alcohol industry’s profits. The EFF has also noticed that alcohol has become a hassle in South Africa with advertisements targeting a younger age group by linking alcohol with popular sports and successful people.
The EFF is pushing for the bill to be quickly sent to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, stating that urgent action is needed to address the country’s alcohol crisis. They see the bill as a simple and essential step that should not be delayed. In their campaign, the EFF has also called on community groups, civil society organizations and other political parties for support. They have also urged parents and educators to recognize how dangerous alcohol advertising can be for young people, as it often connects drinking with achievement and fun.
By imposing this ban, the EFF fights to show the parliament that they are serious about the health care and safety of their fellow South Africans
Sub-Editor: Matlala Kgaugelo.
